Algae containing toxins are naturally present in rivers and lakes, but in the summer they can create large mats and become a health concern. Visual surveys and testing are underway have confirmed the presence of toxic algae in the parks. If signs are posted warning about harmful algae, or you see an algal bloom, do not disturb the algae and do not enter or drink the water near the algae. Do not allow pets to drink or enter the water.
Filtering and boiling do not remove the toxin from the water. If you're backpacking and are planning on treating water to drink, check when you pick up your permit to see if the location you're hiking to is affected.
For more information, visit California's Water Quality Monitoring Council's website.
Road Closures
- Now that the shuttle season has ended, Moro Rock/Crescent Meadow Road is open to the public on weekends and holidays.
- Crystal Cave Road (Sequoia National Park) is closed for the season due to impacts from the 2021 KNP Complex Fire.
- Redwood Mountain Road (Kings Canyon National Park) is currently closed due to hazardous conditions from the 2021 KNP Complex Fire.
Summer 2022 Construction Projects
This summer, two road construction projects are underway to improve park roads and utilities.
- A large-scale road preservation project is underway in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. This work will affect many roadways within the parks, please be prepared for up to 30 minutes in total delays if driving through the parks.
- Work is being completed along the road corridor in Cedar Grove, where sections of underground electrical lines will be replaced. Expect average delays of 15 minutes, with traffic control. Work will not occur on weekends, on holidays, or on Fridays prior to holiday weekends.
- Please be patient during delays that will affect both directions of traffic, this construction is required to maintain the roadway and provide visitors safe access to the parks. Learn more on the Road Construction page.
Weather
After a heat wave, temperatures are now cooling. A small storm brought wet weather to the parks, resulting in mudslides and debris on park roads. For detailed weather conditions, please see forecasts by area.
Air Quality
As temperatures begin to rise during summer months, air quality in the parks is impacted by increased concentrations of ozone, an invisible pollutant. We also may experience an increase in high particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution, which is largely derived from local or regional wildfire smoke. Unlike ozone, particulate matter pollution will impact visibility and can alter the visual landscape. Before you visit, learn more about air quality here and access a link to local forecasts.
Roads:
- All roads in the Giant Forest are usually open this summer, with the exception of Crystal Cave Road, which is closed for the season due to impacts from the 2021 KNP Complex Fire. Additional road closures may be in place for road construction.
- The 2022 shuttle season has ended and Moro Rock / Crescent Meadow Road is now open on weekends.
Parking:
- Parking lots fill quickly, and you may want to arrive early to get parking spots at popular locations.
Camping:
- Sites at Lodgepole Campground are available by reservation only.
- Dorst Creek Campground is closed for the season due to impacts from the 2021 KNP Complex Fire.
Fire Safety
This time of year is when environmental conditions are at their driest. Use extreme caution with any campfires, cooking devices, and cooking equipment. All fires must be closely and personally attended, and fully extinguished before you go to bed or leave the area.
Prescribed Fire and Area Closures: A prescribed burn in the Giant Forest sequoia grove that began June 9 has concluded. Smoke and active fire may still be visible from some areas. All trail closures in this area have been lifted, though off-trail areas in the fire's footprint are still closed.
Road construction may cause delays on State Route 245 near the junction with Hwy 180 to the west of the Big Stump Entrance to Kings Canyon National Park. One-lane will be closed, with 15 minute delays, Monday - Friday. The work is estimated to be completed at the end of September.
Trails in the Redwood Canyon area were damaged in the KNP Complex Fire and will not reopen until conditions are safe. Some smoking trees are visible in this area.
Camping
All campgrounds, including Sunset, Azalea, and Crystal Springs Campgrounds, are by reservation only.
Fire Safety
This time of year is when environmental conditions are at their driest. Use extreme caution with any campfires, cooking devices, and cooking equipment. All fires must be closely and personally attended, and fully extinguished before you go to bed or leave the area.
Winter Closure Update
Sentinel Campground remains open through November 13, all other Cedar Grove campgrounds are now closed for the winter season. Highway 180 into Cedar Grove will close on Monday, November 14 at noon.
- Gate for closure is just north/east of the junction of Hwy 180 and the Hume Lake Road.
- Major storm events or highway repair/construction could close it earlier if necessary, check this page for updates.
Increased Bear Activity In Cedar Grove
To avoid a break-in, secure all food and scented items in the latched storage boxes when not in use. Do not store any scented items like soap or candles in your car. Also, make sure you know what to do if you encounter a bear.
Fire Safety
This time of year is when environmental conditions are at their driest. Use extreme caution with any campfires, cooking devices, and cooking equipment. All fires must be closely and personally attended, and fully extinguished before you go to bed or leave the area.
Fire Restrictions: Stage 2 fire restrictions are in place due to dry conditions and extreme fire danger. Wood and charcoal fires (including wood-burning stoves) are prohibited in ALL areas below 6,000 feet. This includes the river areas, South Fork, Potwisha, and Buckeye Flat campgrounds, and Hospital Rock and Foothills picnic areas. No smoking is permitted outside of vehicles. Some additional restrictions apply for wilderness areas.
Fire Safety: This time of year is when environmental conditions are at their driest. Use extreme caution with any cooking devices and cooking equipment.
Traffic Congestion
During weekends and holidays, our entrance stations become congested, especially at the Sequoia National Park entrance near Three Rivers, California. Check out these tips to avoid congestion or the inconveniences it may cause. We always recommend that you buy your entrance pass online before you arrive.
Recent Wildfire Activity
In September of 2021, the lightning-caused KNP Complex Fire burned through a significant portion of the park. You will see evidence of recent wildfire along the Generals Highway and on trails. Check our tips for safety in burned areas if you plan to hike in an area affected by fire. Our closure map shows trails (in red) that are closed.
NPS Mobile App
Download the NPS Mobile app to get started on your next national park adventure. The NPS App can connect you to all 420+ national parks from one single app.
Want to improve your visit to Sequoia and Kings Canyon? Get information on popular features, visitor centers, campgrounds, fees and passes, park alerts, passport stamp locations, and more. When you install the app, check the option to download offline content. Cell service is extremely limited at the parks and this option will allow you to use the app in areas with no coverage.
WiFi and Cellular Service
WiFi is available at Kings Canyon and Foothills visitor centers. However, if you use the NPS Mobile app, download the app and data before you arrive. Cell phone service may be available in the Grant Grove developed area for Verizon customers, and outside the Foothills Visitor Center for AT&T customers. However, cellular service is not reliable at these locations.
Information on Neighboring Public Lands
- Traveling to Yosemite National Park? Reservations required through September 30, 2022.
- For information on the status of the Sequoia National Forest or Giant Sequoia National Monument (managed by the US Forest Service), visit the Sequoia National Forest website.
- For information on Lake Kaweah (managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers), visit their website.
COVID-19 Safety
Masks are currently optional in NPS buildings and on public transportation. The NPS regularly updates its masking guidance based on the CDC’s COVID-19 Community Levels tool, which helps communities decide what prevention steps to take.
We urge you to follow National Park Service guidance and CDC guidance to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
For the health and safety of others, please choose another time to visit a park if:
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You are experiencing COVID-like symptoms such as a dry cough, fever, difficulty breathing, and/or loss of taste or smell.
- You had close contact with someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 in the last 14 days.
- You are self-isolating or self-quarantining because you may have been exposed to a person with COVID-19 or are worried that you may be sick with COVID-19.
Day Hiking: No permits are needed for day hiking. See the Day Hiking Page for more information about trails in different areas of the parks.
Trail Closures: Some trails are closed due to impacts from the KNP Complex Fire.
Wilderness Permits and Overnight Backpacking, Outside of Quota Season
September 18, 2022 - May 25, 2023
- Self-issue wilderness permits are available for overnight backpacking at Foothills and Kings Canyon visitor centers and at Giant Forest Museum.
Wilderness Permits during the Quota Season
Beginning May 26, 2023
- Wilderness permit reservations are available on Recreation.gov. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance of your trip, and are released daily at 7:00 AM Pacific Standard Time.
- During the quota season, the number of people beginning trips each day is limited by entry point and a recreation fee is required. Reservations are available for most, but not all entry points.
- Permit pick up will be available at the station closest to your desired trailhead: Mineral King Ranger Station, Foothills Visitor Center, Giant Forest Museum, Kings Canyon Visitor Center, or Road's End Permit Station-Cedar Grove.
Fire Restrictions: Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect in the Foothills area of Sequoia National Park. Wood and charcoal fires (including wood-burning stoves) are prohibited at South Fork, Potwisha, and Buckeye Flat campgrounds. No smoking outside of vehicles. For more details, see the Fire Restrictions page.
Most campgrounds in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are currently open, except Dorst Campground, which is closed for the season. This year, most campgrounds in the parks require a reservation in advance of your stay. Reservations will be available one month in advance of your stay, but can also be made on the same day of your visit. We recommend that you make reservations as far in advance of your stay as possible, up to 30 days. Reservations can be made directly on each campground's NPS web page, or at Recreation.gov.
Showers: There are no shower or laundry facilities available in the parks this year.
Bears: Please be aware of potential bear activity in park campgrounds. To avoid a break-in, secure all food and scented items in the latched storage boxes when not in use. Do not store any scented items like soap or candles in your car. Also, make sure you know what to do if you encounter a bear.
For more information on camping in developed campgrounds in the park, visit our Camping web page.
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NPS Mobile App
The official National Park Service app can guide you around the parks, no cell service needed.
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Accessibility
We offer recreational opportunities suited for a wide range of abilities, including exhibits, walking, camping, and shuttle transportation.
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Store Food to Protect Wildlife
Bears are active day and night. When camping or picnicking, all food, trash, and any item with a scent must be stored in food-storage boxes.
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Air Quality
Ozone and other air pollutants are common here. Learn more-view our air-quality index forecast.
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Current Fire Information
A link to all current fires can be found here. You may also subscribe to our fire information mailing list.
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Road Construction
A road construction project on the highway between Lodgepole and Grant Grove will cause delays.
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